Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:2-5
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 15:1-11, where Jesus seeks for believers to abide in Him as He is the vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and believers are the branches - ultimately God seeks for us to bear fruit in His Name. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants believers to bear fruit, so if we don't He will take us away (eternal condemnation) (see also v6). Even if we do bear fruit, God prunes us and this process may not be enjoyable from an earthly perspective but He does this so that can be a healthy vine for His purpose. We need to abide in Him to bear fruit as "apart from Him we can do nothing" (v5). We have this incredible promise that if we abide in Him, and His Words in us, whatever [we] wish, and it will be done for [us]" (v7). However, we should be careful to misinterpret this text to think that anything we ask God will give us - without conditions. The conditions are important. We must abide in Him and His Words in us - this means that we seek what He seeks - there is alignment to His will. If we know His voice we follow Him as He is the Good Shepherd. We then glorify the Father by doing His will - Jesus provides the example of how this is done - by keeping His commandments (v10) and abiding in His love just as He abides in the Father's love. Jesus shares these words with us so that His joy - which is incredible - will be in us and that this joy be full (v11).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: People either bear fruit (believers) or they don't (non-believers), and if they don't there is eternal condemnation. If you do, you are a believer, and you will have both eternal life and God's joy.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not abiding in God's Words - be in the Word daily. Claim the promise that if we abide in Him, God's joy will be in us and it will be full - incredible. Follow the example that Jesus did to abide in the Father's commandments by following Jesus' commandments. Abide in Him.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. You prune me and keep me bearing fruit. Thank You for Your patience as I know there is more pruning to do in me! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
